MP Bryan May Becomes Chair of the Canada-Armenia Parliamentary Friendship Group

-PRESS RELEASE-

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 22, 2017

Contact: Sevag Belian (613) 235-2622

Ottawa – On November 21, 2017, the Canada-Armenia Parliamentary Friendship Group (CAPFG) held its annual general meeting in Ottawa, where MP Bryan May of Cambridge was elected as its new chair. This was the first meeting of the friendship group after the untimely passing of its former chair, the late Arnold Chan.

A significant number of parliamentarians from all major political parties, along with guests from the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in Canada and the Armenian National Committee of Canada were present at the meeting. Also present were co-chairs, MP Harold Albrecht (Conservative Party of Canada), MP Alexandre Boulerice (New Democratic Party of Canada), and a number of newly registered members.

Along with several topics concerning the advancement of political and economic ties between the two countries, the meeting specifically discussed the relations of the two countries within international organizations and especially within the Organization of La Francophonie.

Pursuant to the motion passed at the last meeting, the friendship group unanimously agreed to continue working with Global Affairs Canada, urging them to actively pursue the establishment of a permanent Canadian diplomatic representation in Yerevan, Armenia.

Armenia’s ambassador to Canada, HE Levon Martirosyan and the president of the Armenian National Committee of Canada, Mr. Shahen Mirakian also addressed the meeting, where they congratulated the newly elected chairman and discussed certain topics of importance to the Republic of Armenia and the Armenian-Canadian community respectively.

At the end of the meeting, the friendship group reiterated the importance of further advancing the ties between Canada and Armenia and discussed upcoming initiatives that are aimed towards the advancement of relations.

The Armenian National Committee of Canada congratulates Mr. May on his election and wishes him the best of success, as he continues to lead the CAPFG’s efforts to elevate the bilateral ties of Canada and Armenia to newer heights.

(Image Caption: CAPFG Members with Armenia’s Ambassador and ANCC Representatives)

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The ANCC is the largest and the most influential Armenian-Canadian grassroots human rights organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout Canada and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCC actively advances the concerns of the Armenian-Canadian community on a broad range of issues and works to eliminate abuses of human rights throughout Canada and the world.